Remote control system, video output apparatus, recording medium reproduction apparatus and remote control method

ABSTRACT

In conventional remote control systems, when a compact disk player is installed in a motor vehicle, an external wireless remote-control photoreception device, which is basically unnecessary for compact disk playback, must be provided in the limited internal space of the vehicle, thus the internal space is not effectively used. Further, in a case where the construction of conventional remote control system is applied to a video reproduction apparatus, a DVD reproduction apparatus and the like, as a video output apparatus to output a reproduced video image must be provided in the vehicle, the efficiency of use of the internal space must be further improved. When a remote control operation for video reproduction is performed by using a photoreception device  27  of a television set  20 , an infrared signal outputted from a remote control transmission device  40  is received by the photoreception device 27, then a remote control signal based on the infrared signal is inputted into a microcomputer  11  provided in a video reproduction apparatus  10  via a remote-control signal output cable  50 . Accordingly, a video reproduction operation based on the remote control signal can be performed even in the video reproduction apparatus  10  provided in a position away from a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a remote control system, a videooutput apparatus, a recording medium reproduction apparatus and a remotecontrol method, and more particularly, to a remote control system, avideo output apparatus, a recording medium reproduction apparatus and aremote control method for playing a recording medium based on a remotecontrol signal transmitted from a remote control device and performingvideo output based on a video signal obtained by the playback.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] A remote control system disclosed in JP-A-246061/1985 is known asa conventional system.

[0005] This remote control system has an external wirelessremote-control photoreceptor, connected to a compact disk player, whichreceives an infrared signal transmitted from a wireless remote controldevice to control the compact disk player. In a case where a wirelessremote control photoreceptor, provided in the compact disk player, doesnot receive the infrared signal from the wireless remote control device,the external wireless remote-control photoreceptor receives the infraredsignal so as to perform various operations. JP-U-82691/1993 alsodiscloses a remote control system of this type.

[0006] In the above-described conventional remote control system, in acase where the compact disk player is installed in a motor vehicle, theexternal wireless remote-control photoreceptor, that is basicallyunnecessary for compact disk playback, must be arranged in the limitedinternal space, thus the space is not efficiently used.

[0007] Further, in a case where the construction of the above-describedconventional remote control system is applied to a video reproductionapparatus, a DVD reproduction apparatus and the like, as a video outputapparatus to output a reproduced video image must be provided in theinternal space of the vehicle, the efficiency of use of the internalspace must be further improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the aboveproblems, and has its object to provide a remote control system, a videooutput apparatus, a recording medium reproduction apparatus and a remotecontrol method for realizing remote control by efficiently utilizinginternal space even in a case where the recording medium reproductionapparatus is provided in a position away from a user.

[0009] According to the present invention, the foregoing object isattained by providing a remote control system comprising: a video outputapparatus having: video output means for performing video output basedon a predetermined video signal; remote-control signal reception meansfor receiving a remote control signal transmitted from a remote controldevice; and remote-control signal output means for outputting the remotecontrol signal received by the remote-control signal reception means;and a recording medium reproduction apparatus having: video signalsupply means for playing a recording medium and supplying a video signalobtained by playback to the video output means; remote-control signalinput means for inputting the remote control signal outputted from theremote-control signal output means; and video-signal supply controlmeans for causing the video signal supply means to perform supply of thevideo signal based on the remote control signal.

[0010] In the present invention having the above construction, when theremote-control signal reception means provided in the video outputapparatus receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remotecontrol device and the remote-control signal output means outputs thereceived remote control signal to the remote-control signal input meansprovided in the recording medium production apparatus, theremote-control signal input means inputs the remote control signaloutputted from the remote-control signal output means, then thevideo-signal supply control signal causes the video signal supply meansto play the recording medium based on the input remote control signaland supply the video signal obtained by the playback to the video outputmeans provided in the video output apparatus. Then the video outputmeans performs video output based on the video signal supplied from thevideo signal supply means.

[0011] In this construction, even in a case where the recording mediumreproduction apparatus is provided in a position away from a user, theremote control device can play the recording medium by the recordingmedium reproduction apparatus by transmitting the remote control signalto the remote-control signal reception means provided in the videooutput apparatus provided in a position where the apparatus can receivethe remote control signal.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention can be realized only by usingexisting constructions such as a videocassette recorder and a televisionset without preparing new construction.

[0013] As described above, the present invention provides a remotecontrol system which performs remote control by efficiently utilizingthe space of arrangement even in a case where a recording mediumreproduction apparatus is provided in a position away from a user.

[0014] The recording medium here may be a magnetic recording medium suchas a video tape or an opto-magnetic recording medium such as a DVD. Therecording medium does not limit the video signal recording format. Therecording medium reproduction apparatus may be installed in an apparatushaving a construction for recording a video signal such as avideocassette recorder or may be an apparatus only having a reproductionfunction. Further, the video output apparatus may be installed in atelevision set having a broadcast signal reception function or may be anapparatus capable of video output based on only a video signal suppliedfrom the recording medium reproduction apparatus such as video outputmonitor.

[0015] Note that the recording medium reproduction apparatus may have aconstruction to receive the remote control signal by itself As aconstruction in this case, according to another aspect of the presentinvention, in the remote control system, the recording mediumreproduction apparatus further comprises remote-control signal receptionmeans for receiving the remote control signal, and the video-signalsupply control means causes the video signal supply means to performsupply of the video signal based on the remote control signal receivedby the remote-control signal reception means, further, when theremote-control signal input means can receive the remote control signal,the video-signal supply control means inhibits reception of the remotecontrol signal by the remote-control signal reception means, and causesthe video signal supply means to perform supply of the video signalbased on the remote control signal inputted in the remote-control signalinput means.

[0016] In the present invention having the above construction, when theremote-control signal input means cannot input the remote controlsignal, the video-signal supply control means causes the video signalsupply means provided in the recording medium reproduction apparatus tosupply the video signal based on the remote control signal received bythe remote-control signal reception means provided in the recordingmedium reproduction apparatus.

[0017] Then, when the remote-control signal input means can input theremote control signal, the video-signal supply control means inhibitsreception of remote control signal by the remote-control signalreception means, and causes the video signal supply means to supply thevideo signal based on the remote control signal inputted in theremote-control signal input means.

[0018] Accordingly, when the recording medium reproduction apparatus isprovided in a position where the apparatus can receive the remotecontrol signal, video signal supply can be performed based on the remotecontrol signal received by the remote-control signal reception meansowned by the apparatus itself while input of the remote control signalinto the remote-control signal input means is inhibited. On the otherhand, when the recording medium reproduction apparatus is not in aposition where the apparatus can receive the remote control signal, thevideo signal supply can be performed based on the remote control signalinputted in the remote-control signal input means. In this construction,the present invention can be realized only by utilizing general existingconstructions such as a videocassette recorder and a television sethaving a remote control function without introduction of device having anew construction.

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, therecording medium reproduction apparatus provided in a position away froma user can be remote controlled by utilizing general existingconstructions, without introduction of device having a new construction.

[0020] As a construction for outputting the remote control signal fromthe remote-control signal output means to the remote-control signalinput means according to another aspect of the present invention, in theremote control system, the remote-control signal output means and theremote-control signal input means are connectable with each other via acommunication cable, and the remote-control signal input means has aremote-control signal input terminal in which an RCA jack provided atthe end of the communication cable can be plugged.

[0021] In the present invention having the above construction, the userplugs the RCA jack provided at the end of the communication cableconnected to the remote-control signal output means of the video outputapparatus into the remote-control signal input terminal provided in theremote-control signal input means of the recording medium reproductionapparatus. Then, the remote control signal outputted from theremote-control signal output means is inputted via the communicationcable into the remote-control signal input means.

[0022] In this construction, as connection operation between the videooutput apparatus and the recording medium reproduction apparatus issimplified, the recording medium reproduction apparatus can be easilyoperated by utilizing the remote-control signal reception means providedin the video output apparatus.

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, therecording medium reproduction apparatus can be easily operated byutilizing the remote-control signal reception means provided in thevideo output apparatus.

[0024] The remote-control signal input terminal provided for connectionwith the video output apparatus may be utilized for reception of remotecontrol signal by another means. As a construction in this caseaccording to another aspect of the present invention, in the remotecontrol system, when an RCA jack, provided in the communication cableconnected so as to output the remote control signal from a remotecontrol reception device, is plugged in the remote-control signal inputterminal, the video-signal supply control means causes the video signalsupply means to perform supply of the video signal based on the remotecontrol signal inputted into the remote-control signal input terminalfrom the remote control reception device.

[0025] In the present invention having the above construction, when theRCA jack, provided in the communication cable connected to the remotecontrol reception device capable of receiving the remote control signal,is plugged in the remote-control signal input terminal, the remotecontrol signal received in the remote control reception device isinputted into the remote-control signal input means of the recordingmedium reproduction apparatus. Then the video-signal supply controlmeans causes the video signal supply means to supply the video signalbased on the remote control signal inputted into the remote-controlsignal input terminal.

[0026] Accordingly, the reception of the remote control signal byutilizing the video output apparatus or the reception of the remotecontrol signal by utilizing the remote control reception device can beselected in accordance with a user's preference, only by providing theremote-control signal input terminal in the recording mediumreproduction apparatus.

[0027] As described above, according to the present invention, thereception of the remote control signal by utilizing the video outputapparatus or the reception of the remote control signal by utilizing theremote control reception device can be selected.

[0028] In a case where the remote control reception device does not havea power supply, the power supply is necessary for execution of the abovereception of the remote control signal. As a construction in this caseaccording to another aspect of the present invention, in the remotecontrol system, the recording medium reproduction apparatus has a powersupply output terminal in which an RCA jack, provided in a power supplycable connected to the remote control reception device for electricpower supply to the remote control reception device, can be plugged, andwherein when the RCA jack is plugged in the power supply outputterminal, the recording medium reproduction apparatus supplies electricpower to the remote control reception device via the power supply cable.

[0029] In the present invention having the above construction, when theRCA jack, provided in the power source cable connected to the powersource input terminal of the remote control reception device, is pluggedin the power source output terminal provided in the recording mediumreproduction apparatus, the recording medium reproduction apparatussupplies electric power to the remote control reception device via thepower source cable. Then the remote control reception device performsthe reception of the remote control signal by utilizing the electricpower supplied from the recording medium reproduction apparatus.

[0030] Accordingly, even in a case where the remote control receptiondevice does not have a power supply, the power supply can be easilyensured only by cable connection.

[0031] As described above, according to the present invention, even in acase where the remote control reception device does not have a powersupply, the power supply can be easily ensured only by the cableconnection.

[0032] The present invention has been described as a system having avideo output apparatus and a recording medium reproduction apparatus,however, the present invention is useful as a single video outputapparatus or recording medium reproduction apparatus.

[0033] As a construction in a case where the present invention is asingle video output apparatus, provided is a video output apparatuscomprising: video output means for performing video output based on avideo signal supplied from a recording medium reproduction apparatus;remote-control signal reception means for receiving a remote controlsignal transmitted from a remote control device; and remote-controlsignal output means for outputting the remote control signal received bythe remote-control signal reception means to the recording mediumreproduction apparatus.

[0034] In the present invention having the above construction, when theremote-control signal reception means provided in the video outputapparatus receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remotecontrol device, the remote-control signal output means outputs thereceived remote control signal to the recording medium reproductionapparatus.

[0035] Then the recording medium reproduction apparatus plays therecording medium based on the remote control signal. When the videosignal obtained by playback of the recording medium is supplied to thevideo output apparatus, the video output means performs video outputbased on the supplied video signal.

[0036] As described above, according to the present invention, even in acase where the recording medium reproduction apparatus is provided in aposition away from a user, a video output apparatus capable of remotecontrol by efficiently utilizing the space of arrangement can beprovided.

[0037] Further, as a construction in a case where the present inventionis a single recording medium reproduction apparatus, provided is arecording medium reproduction apparatus comprising: video signal supplymeans for playing a recording medium and supplying a video signalobtained by playback to a video output apparatus; remote-control signalinput means for inputting a remote control signal outputted from thevideo output apparatus; and video-signal supply control means forcausing the video signal supply means to perform supply of the videosignal based on the remote control signal inputted in the remote-controlsignal input means.

[0038] In the present invention having the above construction, when theremote-control signal input means provided in the recording mediumreproduction apparatus inputs the remote control signal outputted fromthe video output apparatus, the video-signal supply control means causesthe video signal supply means to play the recording medium based on theinput remote control signal, and supply the video signal obtained byplayback to the video output apparatus.

[0039] As described above, according to the present invention, even in acase where the recording medium reproduction apparatus is in a positionaway from a user, a recording medium reproduction apparatus capable ofremote control by efficiently utilizing the space of arrangement can beprovided.

[0040] The above remote control can be realized as a method as well as asystem having a material substance. As an example, provided is a remotecontrol method, wherein when a video output apparatus receives a remotecontrol signal transmitted from a remote control device, and outputs theremote control signal to recording medium reproduction apparatus, therecording medium reproduction apparatus inputs the remote control signaloutputted from the video output apparatus, then plays a recording mediumbased on the input remote control signal, and supplies a video signalobtained by playback to the video output apparatus, and then the videooutput apparatus performs video output based on the video signalsupplied from the recording medium reproduction apparatus.

[0041] That is, the construction of the above system can be realized bya method.

[0042] As described above, according to the present invention, even in acase where the recording medium reproduction apparatus is provided in aposition away from a user, a remote control method for performing remotecontrol by utilizing the space of arrangement an be provided.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame name or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0045]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a videoreproduction apparatus according to an embodiment is installed in amotor vehicle and connected to a television set;

[0046]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of connectionterminals provided in a rear surface of the video reproductionapparatus;

[0047]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the principle constructions ofthe video reproduction apparatus and the television set;

[0048]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure related toremote control signal in a microcomputer;

[0049]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the videoreproduction apparatus is connected to a remote control box;

[0050]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the principle constructions ofthe video reproduction apparatus and the remote control box; and

[0051]FIG. 7 is a perspective -view showing the arrangement ofconnection terminals provided in the rear surface of the videoreproduction apparatus according to a modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

[0053]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a videoreproduction apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is installed in a motor vehicle and connected to a televisionset.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, a video output terminal A and audio outputterminals B and C, in which an RCA jack can be plugged, are provided inthe rear surface of a video reproduction apparatus 10. video/audiosignal output cables 30, connected to a video input terminal and anaudio input terminal provided in the rear surface of a television set20, are connected to the terminals A to C. In this construction, whenthe video reproduction apparatus 10 plays a video tape, a video andaudio signals obtained by the playback are supplied via the video/audiosignal output cables 30 to the television set 20. the video reproductionapparatus 10 and the television set 20 correspond to the recordingmedium reproduction apparatus and the video output apparatus of thepresent invention.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the principle constructions ofthe video reproduction apparatus 10 and the television set 20.

[0056] The video reproduction apparatus 10 has a microcomputer 11 with apredetermined program execution environment. The microcomputer 11 isconnected to a video IC 12.

[0057] The video IC 12 causes a tape mechanism 13 to play a video tapein correspondence with a control instruction from the microcomputer 11,and generates a video signal to be outputted from the video outputterminal A and audio signals to be outputted from the audio outputterminals B and C based on a video signal obtained by the playback. themicrocomputer 11, the video IC 12 and the tape mechanism 13 to play thevideo tape and generate the video signal based on the video signalobtained from the playback correspond to the video signal supply meansof the present invention.

[0058] On the other hand, the television set 20 has a microcomputer 21with a predetermined program execution environment. The microcomputer 21is connected to a tuner 22 and a chroma IC 23.

[0059] The tuner 22 receives a broadcast signal in correspondence with areception frequency designated by the microcomputer 21 and outputs thereceived signal to the chrome IC 23. Note that an input signal selectioncircuit 24 which selects the external input signals from the video inputterminal and the audio input terminals or the broadcast signal receivedby the tuner 22, in correspondence with a selection signal from themicrocomputer 21, is provided between the tuner 22 and the chroma 23.Further, the chroma IC 23 performs predetermined signal processing onthe signal outputted from the input signal selection circuit 24 inaccordance with a control instruction from the microcomputer 21, andperforms video and audio output at the CRT monitor 25 and the speaker26.

[0060] Note that the microcomputer 21, the chroma IC 23 and the CRTmonitor 25 to perform video output based on the external input signalcorrespond to the video output means of the present invention in thismeaning.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the video reproduction apparatus 10 and thetelevision set 20 have photoreception devices 14 and 27 which receive aninfrared signal from a remote control transmission device 40. Note thatthe remote control transmission device 40 and the photoreception devices14 and 27 correspond to the remote control device and the remote-controlsignal reception means of the present invention.

[0062] However, in the present embodiment, if the system is installed ina motor vehicle, as the internal space of the vehicle is limited, thevideo reproduction apparatus 10 cannot be positioned within the reach ofthe infrared signal outputted from the remote control transmissiondevice 40 in some cases.

[0063] Then the video reproduction apparatus 10 has a construction wherethe microcomputer 11 can perform various controls based on the infraredsignal received outside the apparatus main body as well as the infraredsignal received by the photoreception device 14.

[0064] That is, the video reproduction apparatus has a remote-controlsignal input selection circuit 15, which selects a remote control signalbased on external input infrared signal or a remote control signal basedon the infrared signal received by the photoreception device 14, andoutputs the selected remote control signal to the microcomputer 11,between the microcomputer 11 and the photoreception device 14.

[0065] Note that a remote control signal input terminal D, provided inthe rear surface of the apparatus main body with the video outputterminal A and the audio output terminals B and C, has a contact whichis opened/closed in correspondence with plugged/unplugged status of anRCA jack, attached to the end of a remote-control signal output cable 50connected to a remote-control signal output terminal of thephotoreception device 27 provided in the television set 20, in theremote-control signal input terminal D. The microcomputer 11 controlsselection at the remote-control signal selection circuit 15 by detectingthe plugged/unplugged status of the RCA jack.

[0066] Note that the remote-control signal output terminal of thephotoreception device 27 and the remote-control signal input terminal Dcorrespond to the remote-control signal output means and theremote-control signal input means of the present invention,respectively, and the remote-control signal output cable 50 correspondsto the communication cable of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure related to theremote control signal in the microcomputer 11.

[0068] When the RCA jack is not plugged in the remote-control signalinput terminal D (step S100), the microcomputer 11 connects theremote-control signal input selection circuit 15 to the photoreceptiondevice 14 side (step S150) and performs various controls based on theinfrared signal received by the photoreception device 14 (step S160).

[0069] On the other hand, when the RCA jack is plugged in theremote-control signal input terminal D (step S100), the microcomputer 11connects the remote-control signal input selection circuit 15 to theremote-control signal input terminal D side (step S110), and performsvarious controls based on the infrared signal received by thephotoreception device 27 (steps S120 to S140). In this meaning, themicrocomputer 11 corresponds to the video signal supply control means.

[0070] For example, in the latter case, when the infrared signal isoutputted from the remote control transmission device 40 toward thephotoreception device 27, the photoreception device 27 receives theinfrared signal, then outputs the remote control signal based on theinfrared signal to the microcomputer 21 provided in the television set20, and at the same time, outputs the remote control signal based on theinfrared signal to the microcomputer 11 provided in the videoreproduction apparatus 10, via the remote-control signal outputterminal, the remote-control signal output cable 50, the remote-controlsignal input terminal D and the remote-control signal input selectioncircuit 15.

[0071] Accordingly, if the infrared signal outputted from the remotecontrol transmission device 40 relates to the operation of thetelevision set 20, the microcomputer 21 performs various controls in thetelevision set 20 based on the corresponding remote control signal,while if the infrared signal outputted from the remote controltransmission device 40 relates to the video reproduction device 10, themicrocomputer 11 performs various controls in the video reproductionapparatus 10 based on the corresponding remote control signal.

[0072] Accordingly, the video reproduction apparatus 10 can beremote-controlled by utilizing the photoreception device 27 provided inthe television set 20, only by providing the connection cable fortransmission of the remote control signal between the video reproductionapparatus 10 and the television set 20.

[0073] Note that even when the RCA jack is plugged in, the operationbased on the remote control signal is performed at step S140, then theremote-control signal input selection circuit is connected to thephotoreception device terminal side at step S150, and the operationbased on the infrared signal is performed at step S160, in considerationof a case where the user operates the remote-control transmission device40 directed toward the photoreception device 14 of the videoreproduction apparatus 10.

[0074] In the above description, the remote control of the videoreproduction apparatus 10 is performed by utilizing the photoreceptiondevice 27 provided in the television set 20, however, the method ismerely an example, but the remote control of the video reproductionapparatus 10 can be performed by utilizing another externalconstruction.

[0075] That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a remote control box 60 asthe remote control reception device of the present invention, having aphotoreception device 61 which can receive the infrared signal outputtedfrom the remote control transmission device 40, may be utilized. In thiscase, an RCA jack, attached to the end of a remote-control signal outputcable 70 connected to a remote-control signal output terminal of thephotoreception device 61, is plugged in the remote-control signal inputterminal D for connection with the video reproduction apparatus 10, andvarious controls are performed by the microcomputer 11 in accordancewith the remote control signal based on the infrared signal received bythe photoreception device 61.

[0076] In a case where the video reproduction apparatus 10 isremote-controlled by utilizing a photoreception device 27 provided inthe television set 20, a power supply circuit provided in the televisionset 20 supplies electric power to the photoreception device 27, however,in a case where the video reproduction apparatus 10 is remote-controlledby utilizing the remote control box 60, a power supply route to thephotoreception device 61 in the remote control box 60 must be ensured.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, a power-supply output terminal E, in which anRCA jack can be plugged, is provided in the rear surface of the videoreproduction apparatus 10, with the video output terminal A, the audiooutput terminals B and C, and the remote-control signal input terminalD. Note that only power supply line and remote control signal line arenecessary here, and if the ground can be shared between the apparatusand the vehicle body or the like, the power supply can be realized byusing only one RCA.

[0078] In the above construction, when an RCA jack, attached to a powersupply cable 80 connected to the power supply input terminal of thephotoreception device 61, is plugged in the power supply output terminalE for connection with the video reproduction apparatus 10, electricpower supplied from a power supply circuit provided in the videoreproduction apparatus 10 is inputted into the photoreception device 61via the power supply output terminal E, the power supply cable 80 andthe power supply input terminal. Accordingly, the photoreception device61 can receive the infrared signal outputted from the remote controltransmission device 40 by utilizing electric power supplied from thevideo reproduction apparatus 10.

[0079] Note that in the present embodiment, the signal processingcontrol apparatus of the present invention is applied to the videoreproduction apparatus 10, however, this construction is merely anexample, but the present invention is applicable to a videocassetterecorder capable of recording/reproduction. Further, the recordingmedium is not limited to a video tape. The present invention isapplicable to reproduction apparatuses for DVDs, video CDs and the like.

[0080] Next, a procedure upon execution of video tape playback operationin the video reproduction apparatus 10 installed in a motor vehicle willbe described.

[0081] The RCA jack, attached to the remote-control signal output cable50 connected to the remote control signal output terminal of thetelevision set 20, is plugged in the remote-control signal inputterminal D of the video reproduction apparatus 10.

[0082] Then, the microcomputer 11 detects the plug-in of the RCA jackand sets the remote-control signal input selection circuit 15 to theremote-control signal input terminal D side.

[0083] Note that when the user performs video playback operation byusing the remote control transmission device 40 toward thephotoreception device 27, the infrared signal outputted from the remotecontrol transmission device 40 is received by the photoreception device27. The photoreception device 27 that received the infrared signaloutputs the remote control signal based on the infrared signal to themicrocomputer 11 provided in the video reproduction apparatus 10 via theremote-control signal output cable 50, the remote-control signal inputterminal D and the remote-control signal input selection circuit 15.

[0084] At this time, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not theinput infrared signal relates to the video reproduction apparatus 10,and if it detects that the signal relates to an operation related to thevideo reproduction apparatus 10, i.e., the remote control signal forvideo reproduction operation, outputs a control instruction to the videoIC 12 based on the remote control signal.

[0085] Then, the video IC 12 causes the tape mechanism 13 to play thevideo tape in correspondence with the control instruction, and generatesthe video signal based on the video signal obtained by the playback andoutputs the signal from the video output terminal A.

[0086] The chroma IC 23 performs predetermined signal processing on thevideo signal, inputted via the video/audio signal output cable 30 andthe input signal selection circuit 24, in accordance with a controlinstruction from the microcomputer 21, and performs video output on theCRT monitor 25.

[0087] In this manner, in a case where a remote control operation forvideo reproduction is performed by utilizing the photoreception device27 of the television set 20, when the infrared signal outputted from theremote control transmission device 40 is received by the photoreceptiondevice 27, the remote control signal based on the infrared signal isinputted into the microcomputer 11 provided in the video reproductionapparatus 10 via the remote-control signal output cable 50. Thus, evenif the video reproduction apparatus 10 is provided in a position awayfrom the user, the video reproduction operation based on the remotecontrol signal can be performed.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to appraise the public of thescope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remote control system comprising: a videodisplay apparatus having: a video display device for displaying a videoimage based on a video signal; a remote control photoreception devicefor receiving an infrared signal transmitted from a remote controllerand converting the received infrared signal into an electric remoteoperation signal; and a remote-control signal output terminal foroutputting the remote control signal to outside; and a recording mediumreproduction apparatus having: video signal supply means for playing amagnetic recording tape and supplying a reproduced video signal to saidvideo display device; a remote-control signal input terminal forinputting the remote control signal outputted from said remote-controlsignal output terminal; and video-signal supply control means forcontrolling the video signal supply means to supply the video signalbased on the input remote control signal.
 2. A remote control systemcomprising: a video output apparatus having: video output means forperforming video output based on a predetermined video signal;remote-control signal reception means for receiving a remote controlsignal transmitted from a remote control device; and remote-controlsignal output means for outputting the remote control signal received bysaid remote-control signal reception means; and a recording mediumreproduction apparatus having: video signal supply means for playing arecording medium and supplying a video signal obtained by playback tosaid video output means; remote-control signal input means for inputtingthe remote control signal outputted from said remote-control signaloutput means; and video-signal supply control means for causing saidvideo signal supply means to perform supply of the video signal based onthe remote control signal.
 3. The remote control system according toclaim 2 , wherein said recording medium reproduction apparatus furthercomprises remote-control signal reception means for receiving the remotecontrol signal, and wherein said video-signal supply control meanscauses said video signal supply means to perform supply of the videosignal based on the remote control signal received by saidremote-control signal reception means, further wherein when saidremote-control signal input means can receive the remote control signal,said video-signal supply control means inhibits reception of the remotecontrol signal by said remote-control signal reception means, and causessaid video signal supply means to perform supply of the video signalbased on the remote control signal inputted in said remote-controlsignal input means.
 4. The remote control system according to claim 2 ,wherein said remote-control signal output means and said remote-controlsignal input means are connectable with each other via a communicationcable, and wherein said remote-control signal input means has aremote-control signal input terminal in which an RCA jack provided atthe end of the communication cable can be plugged.
 5. The remote controlsystem according to claim 4 , wherein when an RCA jack, provided in thecommunication cable connected so as to output the remote control signalfrom a remote control reception device, is plugged in the remote-controlsignal input terminal, said video-signal supply control means causessaid video signal supply means to perform supply of the video signalbased on the remote control signal inputted into the remote-controlsignal input terminal from the remote control reception device.
 6. Theremote control system according to claim 5 , wherein said recordingmedium reproduction apparatus has a power supply output terminal inwhich an RCA jack, provided in a power supply cable connected to saidremote control reception device for electric power supply to said remotecontrol reception device, can be plugged, and wherein when the RCA jackis plugged in the power supply output terminal, said recording mediumreproduction apparatus supplies electric power to said remote controlreception device via the power supply cable.
 7. A video output apparatuscomprising: video output means for performing video output based on avideo signal supplied from a recording medium reproduction apparatus;remote-control signal reception means for receiving a remote controlsignal transmitted from a remote control device; and remote-controlsignal output means for outputting the remote control signal received bysaid remote-control signal reception means to said recording mediumreproduction apparatus.
 8. A recording medium reproduction apparatuscomprising: video signal supply means for playing a recording medium andsupplying a video signal obtained by playback to a video outputapparatus; remote-control signal input means for inputting a remotecontrol signal outputted from said video output apparatus; andvideo-signal supply control means for causing said video signal supplymeans to perform supply of the video signal based on the remote controlsignal inputted in said remote-control signal input means.
 9. Therecording medium reproduction apparatus according to claim 8 , furthercomprising remote-control signal reception means for receiving theremote control signal, wherein said video-signal supply control meanscauses said video signal supply means to perform supply of the videosignal based on the remote control signal received by saidremote-control signal reception means, and wherein when saidremote-control signal input means can input the remote control signal,said video-signal supply control means inhibits reception of the remotecontrol signal by said remote-control signal reception means, and causessaid video signal supply means to perform supply of the video signalbased on the remote control signal inputted in said remote-controlsignal input means.
 10. The recording medium reproduction apparatusaccording to claim 8 , wherein said remote-control signal output meansand said video output apparatus are connectable with each other via acommunication cable, and wherein said remote-control signal input meanshas a remote-control signal input terminal in which an RCA jack providedat the end of the communication cable can be plugged.
 11. The recordingmedium reproduction apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein when anRCA jack, provided in the communication cable connected so as to outputthe remote control signal from a remote control reception device, isplugged in the remote-control signal input terminal, said video-signalsupply control means causes said video signal supply means to performsupply of the video signal based on the remote control signal inputtedinto the remote-control signal input terminal from the remote controlreception device.
 12. The recording medium reproduction apparatusaccording to claim 11 , further comprising a power supply outputterminal in which an RCA jack, provided in a power supply cableconnected to said remote control reception device for electric powersupply to said remote control reception device, can be plugged, andwherein when the RCA jack is plugged in the power supply outputterminal, said recording medium reproduction apparatus supplies electricpower to said remote control reception device via the power supplycable.
 13. A remote control method, wherein when a video outputapparatus receives a remote control signal transmitted from a remotecontrol device, and outputs the remote control signal to a recordingmedium reproduction apparatus, said recording medium reproductionapparatus inputs the remote control signal outputted from said videooutput apparatus, then plays a recording medium based on the inputremote control signal, and supplies a video signal obtained by playbackto said video output apparatus, and then said video output apparatusperforms video output based on the video signal supplied from saidrecording medium reproduction apparatus.